Python Arithmetic Operators

Operators in Python

Operators are essential in Python programming as they enable us to perform various operations and manipulate data in a simple and efficient way. 

Here are some reasons why operators are important in any programming language: 

• Assign values
• Work with data types
• Manipulate strings
• Comparison and logical operations
• Perform calculations

Python provides different types of operators like Arithmetic Operators, Logical Operators, Comparison Operators, Identity OperatorsBitwise Operators, Assignment Operators, and Membership Operators. 

This article discusses the Arithmetic Operators in detail. So let us start. 

Types of Python Arithmetic Operators

Arithmetic operators are used to perform various mathematical operations such as addition, multiplication, division, subtraction, etc.

The following are the arithmetic operators in Python:

• Addition (+)
• Subtraction (-)
• Multiplication (*)
• Division (/)
• Modulus (%)
• Floor Division (//)
• Exponentiation (**)

Let us discuss them in detail by taking examples: 

Addition (+)

The addition (+) operator performs addition between two operands. 

Example 

• Python

Python

x = 5
y = 3
print(x + y)

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Output

8

Note that these operators can also be used in combination with assignment operators to modify the value of a variable. 

For example, x += y is equivalent to x = x + y.

Subtraction (-)

The subtraction (-) operator performs subtraction between two operands. 

It subtracts one value from another.

Example 

• Python

Python

x = 5
y = 3
print(x - y)

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Output

2

Multiplication (*)

This operator performs multiplication between two operands. 

Example 

• Python

Python

x = 5
y = 3
print(x * y)

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Output

15

Division (/)

The division operator (/) divides one value by another. Returns a float value even if the result is a whole number.

Example 

• Python

Python

x = 12
y = 3
print(x / y)

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Output

4.0

Modulus (%)

The modulus operator (%) divides one value by another and returns the remainder.

Example 

• Python

Python

x = 5
y = 2
print(x % y)

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Output

1

Floor Division (//)

The floor division operator ( //) divides one value by another and returns the quotient without the remainder (rounded down to the nearest integer).

Example 

• Python

Python

x = 15
y = 2
print(x // y)

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Output

7

Exponentiation (**)

The exponential operator ( **) raises a number to the power of another number. It is used to perform exponentiation operations on numerical data types such as integers, floats, and complex numbers. 

Example 

• Python

Python

x = 2
y = 5
print(x ** y) #same as 2*2*2*2*2

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Output

32

Precedence Order of Python Arithmetic Operators

In Python, the precedence of arithmetic operators is as follows (from highest to lowest precedence):

• Exponentiation (**)
• Multiplication (*), Division (/), Modular (%),  and Floor Division (//) (same precedence)
• Addition (+) and Subtraction (-) (same precedence)

This means that the ** operator has the highest precedence and will be evaluated first, followed by *, /, // (if present in the expression), and then + and - (if present in the expression).

It's important to note that you can use parentheses to change the order of evaluation, just like in regular algebra. Expressions inside parentheses are always evaluated first, regardless of operator precedence. 

Example to Implement Arithmetic Operators in Python

Here is an example of how to implement arithmetic operators in Python:

• Python

Python

# Define variables
a = 10
b = 5

# Addition
c = a + b
print("Addition: ", c) 
 
# Subtraction
d = a - b
print("Subtraction: ", d)  

# Multiplication
e = a * b
print("Multiplication: ", e) 

# Division
f = a / b
print("Division: ", f) 

# Modulus
g = a % b
print("Modulus: ", g) 

# Exponentiation
h = a ** b
print("Exponentiation: ", h) 

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Here in this code, we defined two variables, a and b, and performed arithmetic operations on them.

Output:

Addition:  15
Subtraction:  5
Multiplication:  50
Division:  2
Modulus:  0
Exponentiation:  100

Mastering Arithmetic Operations in Python

Mastering arithmetic operations in Python is fundamental for any programming task that involves numerical computations. Python's arithmetic operators provide a straightforward way to perform basic mathematical calculations, making them essential tools for data analysis, algorithm development, and problem-solving.

By understanding and effectively using these operators, you can perform a wide range of calculations, from simple additions and subtractions to more complex operations like exponentiation and modular arithmetic. Mastery of these operations also involves understanding how Python handles different data types and operations, ensuring accurate results and efficient code.

Applying Python Arithmetic Operators for Calculations

Python's arithmetic operators are versatile and can be used for various types of calculations. Here are examples illustrating their application:

• Addition (+): Adds two numbers together.
• Subtraction (-): Subtracts one number from another.
• Multiplication (*): Multiplies two numbers.
• Division (/): Divides one number by another, returning a float.
• Floor Division (//): Divides one number by another and returns the integer part of the quotient.
• Modulus (%): Returns the remainder of the division.
• Exponentiation (**): Raises a number to the power of another number.

• Python

Python

# Define variables
a = 15
b = 4

# Perform arithmetic operations
addition = a + b
subtraction = a - b
multiplication = a * b
division = a / b
floor_division = a // b
modulus = a % b
exponentiation = a ** b

# Print results
print("Addition:           ", addition)            
print("Subtraction:        ", subtraction)         
print("Multiplication:     ", multiplication)      
print("Division:           ", division)            
print("Floor Division:     ", floor_division)      
print("Modulus:            ", modulus)             
print("Exponentiation:     ", exponentiation)

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Output

Addition:            19
Subtraction:         11
Multiplication:      60
Division:            3.75
Floor Division:      3
Modulus:             3
Exponentiation:      50625

Frequently Asked Questions 

How to do arithmetic in Python? 

In order to do arithmetic operations in Python, use the arithmetic operators on numbers. For example, to add two numbers, we would use the addition operator (+), like 10 + 6.

What is an arithmetic operator?

An arithmetic operator is nothing but a symbol which is used to perform mathematical operations on numbers. The arithmetic operators in Python are addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), division (/), modulus (%), and exponentiation (**).

What data type are arithmetic operators in Python?

In Python, the arithmetic operators are always evaluated to the data type of the operands. For example, if the operands are integers, the result of the operation will be an integer. If the operands are floats, the result of the operation will be a float.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed Python Arithmetic Operators in detail. We have also discussed the precedence order of each operator. 

Recommended Readings:

• Operator Overloading in Python
• Modulo Operator in Python
• Performing Arithmetic in CherryPy Python
• Swap Two Numbers in Python